Texas State University vs University of Texas at San Antonio

Texas State University vs University of Texas at San Antonio

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Both UTSA and Texas State are public institutions with expanding research profiles. Texas State is an "R2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity" institution, with several research institutes (e.g., the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment). UTSA also enjoys robust research activity and is increasingly being known for its work in cybersecurity, health sciences, and engineering. UTSA rank a little higher in national university rankings on social mobility and innovation, while Texas State is recognized for its liberal arts, education, environmental science, and teacher education strengths. 

General Information

Texas State maintains total enrollment of approximately 40,678 students, with 36,206 undergraduates at San Marcos. UTSA maintains total enrollment of approximately 34,864 students, with 31,600 undergraduates. Texas State's campus covers approximately 517 acres (main campus), and has more than 200 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree offerings. UTSA, founded in 1969, boasts a large urban campus with extensive undergraduate and graduate offerings, particularly growing in STEM, engineering, health sciences, and business.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Admission at both universities is moderately competitive. The acceptance rate for Texas State is approximately 89.5%, while for UTSA it is approximately 88.5%. Texas State has a significant number of applicants with an acceptance rate of approximately 23.8%. UTSA also accepts a very high percentage of applicants. Both universities have a very large number of admitted students who report standardized test scores, although in recent years most applicants do not send SAT/ACT scores. Texas State and UTSA consider applicants largely on the basis of high school GPA, course difficulty, and other holistic factors.

Research Impact & Facilities

Both institutions are heavily involved in research. Texas State hosts more than 30 research centers and institutes, some of which are in environmental science and water studies. UTSA has developed robust research infrastructure in areas of engineering, cybersecurity, biomedical sciences, and health sciences. UTSA is also becoming well-known nationally for its economic contributions, research collaborations, and innovation in areas of health and technology.

Cost & Financial Aid

Texas State's fees and tuition are moderate; net prices after aid are considerably lower for in-state students. UTSA's tuition is significantly lower particularly for in-state students, and the average net price after grants is low. UTSA also offers generous grant aid; numerous undergraduates receive some type of financial aid in the form of grants and scholarships. Both schools offer both need-based and merit-based aid, with UTSA having relatively lower out-of-pocket expenses for in-state students because of state subsidies.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

Texas State alumni have median earnings of approximately US$56,906 a decade after joining the university, proving consistent career outcomes in business, education, public service, among others. UTSA alumni have median earnings of approximately US$57,131 after a decade, with excellent outcomes particularly in engineering, technology, health, and business. The state of Texas' six-year graduation rate of approximately 62% is relatively higher than previous estimates, and UTSA's six-year rate of around 58% suggests areas for growth. The two universities both have alumni networks, local and regional employer relationships, internship, and robust job placement within their respective localities.